What began as an event to honor the National Guard’s Red Bulls has evolved into a celebration honoring all branches of the Armed Forces. On Sunday, North Branch was the site of Military Appreciation Day. Young and old turned out to help raise money to support the men and women in uniform, serving across the globe.

A program that gives teens a firsthand military experience is coping with budget cuts due to sequestration, the automatic federal spending cuts. The U.S. Sea Cadets Twin Cities squadron teaches responsibility, dedication, even boot camp-type training drills.